Evaluating Team Performance The manager may be accustomed to evaluating individual performance, but evaluating how well a team performs requires different assessments.
Patient outcomes and team functioning are the criteria by which teams can be evaluated (Rosen et al., 2008). Outcome data, such as clinical pathway information, variances in critical paths, complication rates, falls, and medication errors, can help evaluate team performance.
Group functioning can be assessed by the level of work-group cohesion, involvement in the job, and willingness to help each other. Conversely aggression, competition, hostility, aloofness, shaming, or blaming are characteristics of poorly functioning groups. Stability of members is an additional measure of group functioning.
Influencing team processes toward the attainment of organizational objectives is the direct responsibility of the nurse manager. By publicizing team accomplishments, creating opportuni- ties for team members to demonstrate new skills, and supporting social activities, the manager